RSS vs Atom

Understand how RSS 2.0 and Atom differ and how to support both safely.

Checked by FeedInspector

Capability checks

Metrics

Definition

RSS and Atom are XML syndication formats that publish a list of entries with metadata such as title, link, and date. RSS uses channel and item nodes, while Atom uses feed and entry nodes.

Why it matters

If your parser or feed generator assumes only one format, item fields can be missed or mapped incorrectly. Supporting both improves compatibility with feed readers and automation tools.

How FeedInspector checks it

FeedInspector parses both models and normalizes them into one deterministic audit result. It flags unsupported or ambiguous input when the XML cannot be recognized as RSS 2.0 or Atom.

Common problems and fixes

Problem: Feed is served as Atom but parser only looks for channel item.
Fix: Parse feed entry and map Atom id, updated, and link rel values.
Problem: Mixed assumptions about guid and id create duplicate handling bugs.
Fix: Normalize item guid and Atom id into one internal key.

Minimal example

RSS and Atom roots

<rss version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title>Example RSS Feed</title>
  </channel>
</rss>

<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <title>Example Atom Feed</title>
</feed>